Hidden Continuities in Movie Universes: From Brothers to Universes and Beyond
The world of cinema is vast and interconnected, much more than we often realize. This often comes as a pleasant surprise to movie enthusiasts and critics alike when seemingly unrelated films share hidden continuities, be it through characters, plotlines, or even entire universes. In this article, we explore the most interesting examples of such continuities between movies, enhancing our appreciation for the intentional and unintentional overlaps that exist within the industry.
Brotherly Continuities
One example lies in the adaptation of American Psycho (2000) and The Rules of Attraction (2002). While both movies are completely unrelated in every way except for the fact that their protagonists, Patrick Bateman and Sean Bateman, are brothers, they were both based on books by the same author, Brett Easton Ellis. One step further, both films belong to Quentin Tarantino’s Jackie Brown (1997) and Steven Soderbergh’s Out of Sight (1998) through the character of Michael Keaton’s Detective Ray Nicolette. This character is based on a novel by Elmore Leonard, significantly linking the two directors. Another example is the Tarantino-Rodriguez Cinematic Universe (TCU), also known as the Tarantinoverse, where every movie made by both Quentin Tarantino and Robert Rodriguez seems to be connected, either in reality or within the universe of films they reference.
The Tarantino-Rodriguez Cinematic Universe
The Tarantino-Rodriguez Cinematic Universe (TCU) is a fascinating study in interconnected films. Characters from one movie frequently appear as ancestors or future versions, creating a sprawling and intricate web of connections. For instance, Vic Vega (Mr Blonde) from Reservoir Dogs and Vincent Vega from Pulp Fiction are revealed to be brothers. This connection is subtle yet profound. Another example is a wanted poster in Django Unchained that lists Gerald Nash and Crazy Craig Koons as ancestors of Marvin Nash and Captain Koons from Pulp Fiction, respectively. This ties the films in such a way that viewers may not initially notice but, upon closer inspection, see the connections.
Unlikely Connections
The universe extends beyond films made solely by Tarantino and Rodriguez. Curdled by Reb Beach and True Romance by Tony Scott are part of this interconnected web. Though not directly made by Tarantino or Rodriguez, these films have a link due to Tarantino's involvement in the writing of their screenplays. This demonstrates how small, seemingly insignificant connections can lead to a cohesive cinematic universe, enhancing the viewing experience for fans and critics alike.
Common Plot Structures and Contributions
While there’s a limited number of plot structures, many movies share common themes and tropes. For instance, the classic Road Movie is exemplified by Thelma and Louise , while To Kill a Mockingbird showcases the Coming of Age genre. More complex genres include the Caper Movie , such as the Mission Impossible series, and the Redemption Movie , as seen in Field of Dreams. Captain America and Braveheart exemplify the Historical Drama and Episodic Movie genres, respectively, with Pulp Fiction often cited as a quintessential Episodic Movie. These common plot structures not only make our favorite films more relatable but also serve to create shared narratives and themes that transcend individual movies.
Capturing Inspiration
Many filmmakers are known for referencing their favorite films through lines or scenes, intentionally or unintentionally. One example is the use of the iconic line from Blazing Saddles (1974), where the memorable "We don’t need no stinkin' badges" is a deliberate homage to Treasure of the Sierra Madre (1948). Similarly, Back to the Future Part II (1989) references Midnight Cowboy (1969) when Michael J. Fox, playing his wimpy son, says, "I'm walking here, I'm walking here." This technique not only adds depth to the film but also celebrates the rich history of cinema, creating a web of connections between different eras and genres.
The Conclusion
Understanding these hidden continuities in cinema enriches our appreciation of the medium. From the TCU to shared themes and unintentional homages, the interconnectedness of films is a testament to the influence and impact of earlier works on modern cinema. As audiences, we can enjoy the nuances of these connections, while filmmakers can leverage them to create more meaningful and engaging narratives. Future works can continue to draw on and expand these ongoing, complex webs, further blurring the lines between individual films and crafting a tapestry of cinematic history.